Record crowd takes in AHL's first outdoor game, a 2-1 win for Syracuse over Binghamton

A crowd of 21,508 fans – the largest gathering in the 74-year history of the American League – packed the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse on Saturday afternoon for the Mirabito Outdoor Classic and watched the hometown Crunch hold on for a 2-1 victory over the Binghamton Senators in the league’ first outdoor game.

David Liffiton’s goal with 11.7 seconds remaining in the second period stood up as the game-winner for Syracuse. Alexandre Picard scored the Crunch’s first goal of the game while Michael Blunden recorded two assists. Kevin Lalande stopped 36 of 37 Senators shots.

Josh Hennessy scored shorthanded for Binghamton’s lone goal.

The weather saw temperatures in the mid-30’s Fahrenheit with some flurries and a steady breeze throughout the afternoon.

Prior to puck drop, Jessie James sang the U.S. national anthem while a pair of jets from the 174th Fighter Wing performed a flyover. Skydiver Ray Maynard dropped in with the puck for the ceremonial opening faceoff, landing in the center-ice faceoff circle from an altitude of 1,500 feet.